Sports Commission receives event applications

THE Fiji National Sports Commission has received a good number of applications from the sporting federations in hosting of the international events in the country.

The government allocated $500,000 in the 2014 National Budget for the hosting of international sporting tournaments in Fiji.

Commission chairman Peter Mazey said they were encouraging sporting federations to bring international events to Fiji.

"We can get more out of hosting an international tournament than sending teams away," he said.

"I think the only reason we will be sending teams overseas is really to improve our rankings in the global stage."

Mazey confirmed Basketball Fiji, Athletics Fiji, Fiji Rugby Union and Fiji Swimming were among the ones interested in hosting international tournaments this year.

Basketball Fiji is hoping to bring an Oceania event to Suva, Athletics Fiji has confirmed the hosting of the Oceania Cross Country race while FRU is eager to stage the second Fiji International 7s tournament.

"Apart from that there are other special tournaments like the PGA Tour and Triathlon competitions," Mazey added.

The commission spent about $3million in the development of the sport last year.